Gunmen on rampage have killed a community leader in Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State and three others.
Two police officers who ran into the scene were also allegedly shot dead.
But Imo Police spokesman, CSP Michael Abattam, said he was not aware of the incident which occurred on Wednesday.
The community leader’s identity is still unknown as at the time of filing this report.
A source said the killing of the community leader, said to be a traditional title holder in the area, triggered other killings.
Although details of the incident were still sketchy, the titled chief was said to have been killed by gunmen at his home with his personal guard who attempted to save him.
It was gathered that the two policemen reportedly killed ran into the gunmen.
Another was said to have escaped with a bullet wound.
A local meat vendor and another woman close to the scene of the incident were also hit by stray bullets.
The incident caused panic in the entire community as most of the residents, according to sources, deserted their homes.
However, Abattam said he was not aware of the incident.
He promised to contact the Divisional Police Headquarters in the area and get back but was yet to do so at the time of filing the report.
(The Nation)
